Sheet-metal vessel



S. McQUIRNS. SHEET METAL VESSEL.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 5,1919.

1,370,983. Patented Mar. 8, 1921.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

STEWART MOQUIRNS, OF CONSI-IOHOCKEN, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO JOHN WOODMANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORA- TION OFPENNSYLVANIA.

: SHEET-METAL VESSEL.

Application filed June 5, 1919.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, STEWART MoQuInNs, a citizen of the United States,residing at Conshohocken, in the county of Montgomery and State ofPennsylvania, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement inSheet-Metal Vessels, whereof the following is a specification, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawing.

My invention is particularly applicable to water containers of gas waterheaters, of the type including an outer cylindrical shell having abottom closure which is spaced above the bottom edge of said shell tosuch an extent as to form a combustion chamber in which the gas burneris inclosed, except at the bottom. As ordinarily constructed, such aclosure has a downwardly depending cylindrical flange, tightly fitted inthe outer shell and connected therewith by rivets extending through saidflange and shell. However, it is difficult to maintain such a jointtight, owing to the irregular expansion and contraction of said memberswhen subj ected to the heat from the burner. Although attempts have beenmade to make a permanently tight joint by welding such a closure flangeto such a shell; the heat of the welding operation leaves a zone ofdistorted metal in the outer shell, which is, of course, visible andunsightly.

Therefore, it is the principal object of my invention to provide amethod and means for making such a joint permanently tight withoutriveting or welding and, as hereinafter described, my invention includesthe provision of an annular channel in said shell, by pressing thelatter outwardly, in a narrow zone, of smoothly continuousconfiguration, and in such position that it will hold an annular band offusible metal, which is fused therein, between the inner face of saidshell and the outer face of the flange on the closure, at the lower edgeof the latter.

My invention includes the various novel features of construction andarrangement hereinafter more definitely specified.

In said drawing: Figure I is a fragmentary vertical sectional view ofthe lower end of a vessel embodying my improvement.

Fig. II is an inverted plan view of said vessel.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 8, 1921.

Serial No. 302,020.

In said figures: 1 is a cylindrical tubular shell, having an outwardlyprojecting zone 2, conveniently formed by a rolling operation, to formthe internal channel 3 which-is smoothly continuous. The closure 5 iscon veniently formed of a pressed sheet metal plate having thedownwardly depending flange 6 tightly fitted in said shell 1, so thatits lower edge overhangs said channel. Although I have shown said shell1 provided with the annular inwardly extending bead 8, also convenientlyformed by a rolling operation, to serve as a stop limiting the positionto which said closure maybe forced into said shell; such limiting meansmay be omitted.

As indicated in Fig. I; said channel 3 holds a band of fusible metal 9,which may be brass spelter, or other suitable material which has beenfused so as to extend into and seal-the joint between said shell 1 andclosure 5.

Although I have shown said closure flange 6 extending only part wayacross said channel 3; because I find it convenient to thus permit theoperator to inspect the fusible element of the joint, while it is beingfused, and thus be certain that a continuous seal is made; it is to beunderstood that said flange may extend entirely across said channel andthus entirely conceal the fusible metal band therein, if desired.Moreover, although I have found it convenient to illustrate my inventionas embodied in a water receptacle of the specific type abovecontemplated; itis to be understood that I do not desire to limit myselfto vessels of that specific type, as my invention may be advantageouslyemployed in forming such closures in sheet metal vessels of any kind.

Therefore, I do not desire to limit myself to the precise detailsbfconstruction and arrangement herein set forth, as it is obvious thatvarious modifications may be made therein, without departing from theessential features of my invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A sheet metal vessel comprising an outer shell of circular form; aclosure for said shell, comprising a plate having a flange fitted tosaid shell; means limiting the relative position of said shell andclosure plate,

the oint between them.

and sealing means in said channel, including an annular band of fusiblemetal engaging the 1nner surface of said shell, and the outer surface ofsaid closure flange, and sealing 2. A sheet metal vessel comprising an-outer shell; a closure for said shell, comprising a plate havingafiange'fitted to said shell; an annular channel in said-shell, at theregion of saidclosure flange, formed by an outward extension of themetal of said shell; and sealing means insaid channel, in-

cluding an annular band of fusible materialengaging the inner surface ofsaid shell, and

the outer surface of said closure flange, and sealing the joint betweenthem.

3. A sheet metal vessel comprising an outer shell; a closure for saidshell, com prising a plate; a channel in said shell, at the region ofsaid closure; and sealing means in said channel, inside of said shelland outside of said closure, including fusible ma terial engaging theinnersurface of .said

shell, and the outer surface of said closure,

and sealing the'joint between them.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at'Conshohocken,Pennsyl- Vania, this 28th day of May, 1919.

STEWART MoQUIRNS.

WVitnesseszf v FRANK C. HAMILTON, JOSEPH W. WINTER.

